Aster, Purple Dome

Masses of purple flowers with bright yellow centers.

The glory of autumn, this aster is natives to much of eastern North America and is widely adapted and nearly pest-free. It's a dwarf cultivar that typically grows to be 18-24" tall and up to 3' wide, and sports purple 1½" flowers with yellow centers. Butterflies love it.

How to Sow Asters

Sow in average garden soil in a sunny area after danger of heavy frost. In Deep South, Gulf
and Pacific Coast areas, Sow from fall to early spring. Sow seeds evenly and thinly in rows
15-18" apart and cover with 1/4 " of fine soil. Firm lightly and keep evenly moist. Seedlings
emerge in 14-21 days depending on soil and weather conditions. For earlier bloom, seeds may be
Started indoors 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting time.

How to Grow Aster (Perennial)

Most asters need full sun and well-drained soils. Plants need good air circulation to avoid
powdery mildew problems. Pinch back plants before mid July to control plant height and
encourage branching. Cut back to the ground after blooming to reduce self-Sowing and remove old
foliage. Space tall varieties 3 ' apart and shorter varieties 1.5 to 2' apart.